Jim Beam bourbon, the “Official Spirit of Racing” and a leader in social responsibility, leverages its sponsorship of Robby Gordon Motorsports (RGM) and 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Team Owner and Driver Robby Gordon, to continue its support of alcohol education, donating $100,000 to RGM as part of the Jim Beam drink smart ongoing effort to promote responsible choices about alcohol. Throughout the 2005 NASCAR season, RGM will make donations from this fund to local universities in various race markets for the purpose of alcohol education. The $100,000 total will help to fund Alcohol 101 Plus educational programming produced by The Century Council, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to eliminating underage drinking. Gordon presented the first donation in the amount of $10,000 to the University of Central Florida at the Daytona International Speedway today. “We are excited by the dedication shown by Robby Gordon Motorsports, Jim Beam Brands Co., and The Century Council, to educate students on the importance of making responsible decisions regarding alcohol,” said Tom Hall, Director of AOD Prevention Programming. “We look forward to using this funding to increase our alcohol education and awareness efforts.”
“I am thrilled that Jim Beam is donating money so that I can help to further a good cause,” Gordon said. “Jim Beam is building on an existing platform that’s proven great for motorsports and for communicating the drink smart message. As a professional race-car driver I believe I can help to deliver that message with even greater impact and influence.” Throughout 2005, Robby Gordon Motorsports will present one local university in various NASCAR markets this season each with a $10,000 check on behalf of his organization and Jim Beam. The donations will help fund each school’s implementation of The Century Council’s Alcohol 101 Plus education program and alcohol education activities. With the $10,000 donation, schools will be able to facilitate seminars and prevention programs to educate students about the importance of not drinking underage. The Alcohol 101 Plus program will also be made available to student organizations. The universities receiving the donated funds are selected on recommendations given by The Century Council and based on need, as well as active participation in existing alcohol education programs.(Jim Beam Racing PR)(2-19-2005)
